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Apr. 8, 2021
Children’s Oral Health
While oral health care is important from birth, it’s especially critical starting at age 6 when permanent teeth begin to come in. Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases for kids and it’s usually preventable. Cavities and gum disease occur even more frequently as children reach adolescence — with 54% of kids ages 12 to 19 having had, or currently having, cavities.
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Oct. 13, 2020
Children’s Oral Health
With only about half of Illinois families planning to take their kids trick-or-treating during the pandemic,1 Halloween may look different this year.
Illinois public health officials say the safest way to celebrate the holiday is at home. They offer recommendations online for those planning to trick-or-treat or attend other celebrations.2 Regardless of whether your little ghosts and goblins go house-to-house, there will still be plenty of candy available for kids and adults craving sweet treats.
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Aug. 4, 2020
General oral health
You know brushing your teeth is important, but how you go about doing so can make a significant difference in your long-term oral health. If you fail to brush your teeth thoroughly and with a good technique, your teeth may look and feel clean, but layers of plaque will build up in hard-to-reach places and cause tooth decay. Eventually some of it will harden into tartar, collect more plaque, causing gum damage and other unwanted oral health issues.
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Apr. 2, 2020
General oral health
With the legalization of cannabis in Illinois, it may be tempting to turn to marijuana — as well as tobacco and alcohol — as a way to manage anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic.
But Delta Dental of Illinois is urging Illinoisans to opt for healthier ways to relieve stress this April during Oral Cancer Awareness Month.
“Smoking marijuana can lead to a number of oral health problems including dry mouth and an increased risk of cavities and gum disease,”
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Feb. 6, 2020
Children’s Oral Health
It’s never too early to talk with your kids about the dangers of tobacco, especially given the explosive growth of vaping. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a great time to address the issue.
Here’s why there’s reason for concern: The use of e-cigarettes among Illinois high schoolers increased by 45% between 2016 and 2018.
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Feb. 3, 2020
Children’s Oral Health
Baby teeth aren’t meant to be permanent. They emerge from about the time a child is 6 months old until around their third birthday. But they already start to fall out around age 6.1
Because they’re temporary placeholders for permanent teeth, issues with baby teeth may seem like no big deal. But baby teeth actually serve critical purposes.
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Jan. 14, 2020
General oral health
Fluoride — a key mineral for strong teeth — originates in rocks. It’s then released into soil, water and air. So if fluoride is naturally found in water, why is it added to our water supplies and toothpaste? Before we answer, let’s explore why the American Dental Association labeled fluoride “nature’s cavity fighter.”
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Sep. 3, 2019
Children’s Oral Health
Studies suggest that breastfeeding can be beneficial to a newborn’s baby’s oral and overall health. It’s just as important for parents to keep an eye on their own oral health. Here are a few tips to help parents and babies enjoy healthy smiles.
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Jul. 17, 2019
General oral health
Why you might think twice before eating too much ice cream There are few treats more tempting than a cold dish of ice cream during the hottest days of summer. It’s no wonder 90% of American households indulge in this frosty dessert.1 In honor of National Ice Cream Month in July, here’s the scoop on how ice cream can have an effect on oral health.
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Jun. 1, 2019
General oral health
With so much produce in season right now, it’s a good time to consider the effects of fruit on your smile. Not only are fruits better for you than sweets, they can also reduce your cravings for sugary snacks. Most fruits are mouth-friendly, especially crisp ones like apples that help clean plaque from your teeth and freshen breath.1 However, some fruits may have surprising effects on your smile.
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May 1, 2019
General oral health
Older Americans are keeping their teeth longer than ever.1 Here’s more good news: Some causes of tooth loss can be in your control. That’s why it is so important to maintain a good oral health routine and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
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Mar. 1, 2019
General oral health
Your genetics may provide a window into your risk for oral health issues. Understanding your family history can help you stay prepared to keep cavities and gum disease at bay. Your parents probably told you candy causes cavities, but that’s not the only thing that causes them. Risk for cavities is 60 percent due to genetic factors such as preference for sweets, teeth enamel strength and saliva composition, according to the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.1 If members of your f
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Feb. 11, 2019
Children’s Oral Health
When parents put their little ones to sleep, sometimes they leave them with a bottle. While that might be soothing as they drift off to dreamland, leaving a bottle in the crib can be problematic for tiny teeth. In celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month this February, take a moment to brush up on the basics of baby bottle tooth decay.
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Feb. 4, 2019
Children’s Oral Health
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month — the perfect time to emphasize the importance of establishing good oral health habits at an early age to prevent tooth decay. Although preventable, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Tooth decay can develop any time after the first tooth comes in, starting around 6 months of age. Establishing good dental habits in early childhood is essential for preventing or lessening the impact o
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Jan. 8, 2019
Children’s Oral Health
Schedules may get hectic with school, extracurricular activities and homework, but making it to the dentist is always worth it. Dentists play a central role in children’s oral health that goes beyond checking teeth for cavities. The most obvious benefit dentists provide is preventive care through regular exams and cleanings. During these appointments, dentists or hygienists remove plaque and tartar to prevent the formation of cavities, which is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhoo
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Sep. 5, 2018
General oral health
Before rushing off to school in the morning, many families sit around the table to fuel up with the most important meal of the day. Unfortunately, one of the more common breakfast options – cereal – might have some unintended consequences for teeth. Too much sugar at breakfast time isn't a great way to start... More »
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